Wednesday; March 26, 2014
Good Containers are Necessary
The gospel text is one that has always puzzled me. Jesus says that he did not come to abolish the law, but to complete them or bring them to perfection. Really? Are we suppose to go back to obeying the law given to the Israelites. Surely not. Still Jesus said it, so we have to take it seriously. We can’t just say Jesus is the Son of God and then say he didn’t really mean that.
Rohr’s perspective is helpful. He talks about Great Contents must be held by smaller holding tanks. We can’t grasp ultimate reality in one helping. It has to be arrived at after many steps. The law, dogmas, creeds, and even institutions are holding tanks.
"Jesus knows that laws and dogmas are not goals or ends in themselves, and in that he disagrees with much immature religion, but they are a necessary beginning point and holding tank— but one will invariably know that only later— when it all comes true!— and after the necessary struggle. Great Things cannot fall into your little lap immediately, or they would not be Great Things."
Quote from Rohr, Richard (2010-12-27). Wondrous Encounters: Scripture for Lent (p. 69). St. Anthony Messenger Press. Kindle Edition.
